Quilt #87 DeAnn Magee donated by Mary Duke

Quilt #87 was donated to DeAnn Magee by her friend Mary Duke.  More and more this project uncovers how we are connected. This is another quilt started by one person and finished by another then given in love to a third person.

The blocks on this quilt were sewn by Marilyn Mott, another Duncan quilt recipient who has since passed.

This is some of the note Mary enclosed with the quilt gifted for DeAnn's birthday:

Happy Birthday to you my kind, fun, sweet, dear friend. DeAnn, when our sweet Marilyn Mott passed away and you didn't end up with the quilt (Marilyn's Duncan Quilt) that you wanted, I was sad. You were such dear friends and she would have wanted you to have it. You and Marilyn were always there for each other. So, I thought maybe I would make you another quilt. So, when I went to look at fabrics that day at Marilyn's house after you left, I found some quilt blocks that she had made but never finished and turned them into a quilt...So Happy Birthday from Marilyn and I.

Marilyn and DeAnn had only been friends for 4 or 5 years but watching them together it seemed like so much longer. They met as Visiting Teaching companions and hit it off so well they became very close and did everything together. As we all know, sometimes friends are family that we choose for ourselves. DeAnn very much misses her dearest friend.

I am touched that love stays in the stitches as DeAnn has something from Marilyn's hand and that Mary's loving acknowledgement and effort gave this invaluable gift.

Love in the stitches...

Quilt #85 Easton Martin donated by Toni's Tribe

Quilt #85 was given to celebrate the birth of Easton Martin. It has a story that reaches back more than a year and underscores the richness of sisterhood.

Last year I was working on this quilt for the Hess family, another Duncan Project recipient. I had sewn the individual half-square triangles and went to my dear friend Toni Martin's to spend the day sewing the blocks together to finish the quilt top. We sewed all day and were just getting ready to put the large sections together when it became apparent that I had made a few mistakes that left a gaping section in the quilt right in the center.

We tried re configuring the sections to see if there was a way to "make it work." We puzzled for almost half hour when Toni's son stopped by with her darling, then 4 years old, granddaughter Kennadee. We all smiled as Kennadee fearlessly jumped right in finding a way to solve this quilt puzzle. Surprisingly she came up with a perfect solution. Only issue is the quilt would have been about half the intended size (when I returned home I found a sad singular square had been left on my sewing table causing the whole fiasco).

Quilt #67 sewn with Toni

I left Toni's house in frustration, knowing I had exacerbated the problem by impetuously re-cutting some of the squares only making the problem worse. Quilts do not always come together easily. Toni vowed to keep working on the quilt if I could get my hands on more fabric. I felt a certain urgency to get a quilt finished for the Hess family. A couple of days later I found another quilt kit  and Toni and I spent a whole day finishing this quilt top.

I ordered more fabric for Quilt #85 and when it arrived, I packed it away with the unfinished quilt to be completed sometime in the future.

Fast forward 9 months later and our dear Toni shares with us that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma. Lots of ups and downs as Toni battles this awful disease.

Toni is an amazing quilter and has sewn beautiful quilts for each of her grandchildren as they were born. As life would have it, Toni had two new grandchildren due at the time of her diagnosis. As her treatment progressed, it became apparent that Toni would need all of her energy for her cancer treatment. Toni would sew again but in this season, it was nearly impossible.

A sweet sister friend and daughter-in-law took over the completion of a quilt for the first of the two grandchildren born, a sweet baby girl named Wrigley.

One day it came to my mind, that we had a quilt with Toni's love already in the stitches. It just  needed a little creative re-working. I felt inspired that we should wanted to find a way to finish this one for Toni's new grandson Easton.

I pulled out the quilt and tried numerous times to determine how to make it whole. The more I looked at the pattern, the more frustrated I became. I really wanted to do this but my limited skill was holding me back.

Enter two more members of Toni's tribe, seasoned quilters, Mary Duke and Terry Powell. They looked at the quilt top with fresh eyes. They threw away the pattern and used their own skill to finish the quilt top. They had it finished in a matter of a couple hours. There is a huge life lesson here.

Many other quilting sisters added their stitches to the binding and it was completed and given to baby Easton. Toni's family and friends are working on another darling quilt for Easton that Toni had originally envisioned.  Meanwhile, this quilt is a testament to the depth, beauty and strength of Toni's sister tribe.

There is Toni's love and that of so many who love her and her entire family in these stitches.

Quilt #86 Ben Kalish

Ben received treatment at UCLA

Early this summer I received a text from our good friend Colleen Low. Her son Carter had received a  Duncan Quilt as he battled cancer a couple of years ago (thankfully he is now in remission). She wondered if a quilt could be created for Carter's boyhood friend, Ben Kalish.

Ben was a 21 year old college student due to graduate next year, when he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. This type of cancer is rare and aggressive. He soon learned that his course of treatment would last a year consisting of 16 rounds of chemo.

Reading a little about Ben, I learned of his love for hiking and the outdoors. His quilt has map fabric incorporated into the design.

The last update showed that his numerous tumors are shrinking. Ben has wonderful family and friends supporting his on this difficult journey.

We hope this quilt is a reminder to Ben of the many people who love him and are praying for strength and comfort for him and his family.

Love in the stitches....

Quilt #84 Mary Ann Liefting donated by Book Club

Quilt #84 was given to Mary Ann Liefting by our Book Club.  This spring, Mary Ann lost her beautiful son Josh

I asked Mary Ann if I could share her post on Facebook when Josh passed:

I can't believe I have to post this. The world lost a kind, beautiful soul yesterday. We lost our sweet son, Josh Burdette. He was one of the kindest and funniest people I knew, if you were lucky enough to know him well, you know these things to be true. The world will be a sadder place without him in it.

Josh and his loving sister Mikel

Please say hello to your dad and mine. Love you pooch/posh. Until we meet again. Mom

It is so clear from her words how much she adored this sweet son. We attended the funeral and many family members spoke to honor Josh.  The stories of this clever young man made many laugh through the tears. He was truly one of a kind.

Through her loss, Mary Ann, shows extraordinary grace and strength. She knows that Josh is loved by our Heavenly Father and is now with loved ones on the other side.

Members of Book Club decided at lunch after the funeral that we wanted to make a quilt to honor Josh and to express our love and support for our dear Mary Ann. There is so much love in the stitches....

Quilt #83 Kiley and Chandlor Issacs-Inn

Spoiler Alert: This one is a story with a very happy ending.

Most of the recipients of the Duncan Project quilts are navigating through difficult trials. I wanted to make a quilt for these beautiful newlyweds to honor the hope and joy we all feel when two beautiful friends marry.

I remember Kiley showing me a picture of this very handsome missionary that she hoped to date one day (her best friend Savannah was serving in New Zealand with Chandlor and hoped to line them up when he finished his mission).

I recall her optimism and thinking that the odds of it happening were pretty slim. i guess age has made me jaded. Boy, was I wrong. They did end up dating and they married this August.

If you met this couple you might notice that they both radiate goodness in the same way. They both have bright smiles and gentle, loving hearts.

In a world with so many hard things, theirs is a hopeful fairy tale. So happy to witness their
beautiful sealing and hope they feel the love in these stitches.

Quilt #82 Josiah Beach donated by Terry Powell and Stacey Tate

Josiah with his quilt at the bowling alley

Quilt #82 was given to Josiah Beach to celebrate his baptism. Josiah is Duncan's older brother. Over the last few years I have heard a few tender stories of how Josiah misses his younger brother Duncan and a sweet testimony that he is looking forward to reuniting with his younger brother. Josiah has a sure and tender faith that confirms his understanding of where Duncan is now and often talks of being with him again.

Josiah received this quilt quite by coincidence on Duncan's birthday. His mother Alisa shared with me that on the morning of Duncan's birthday, Josiah told her that he had had a dream about Duncan. He couldn't remember what happened but he told her "Mom, this is my lucky day! I got to dream about Duncan last night."

Terry Powell donated this quilt top to The Duncan Project a few months ago.  When I saw it, I immediately noted the airplane fabric. I remember seeing videos of Duncan and Josiah watching videos of airshows with their Grandpa Duncan and I thought it would be a perfect for Josiah to remind him of his brother in heaven and celebrate his baptism. It also had a large orange sections of fabric which was Duncan's favorite color.

 I decided to machine quilt this quilt with a star pattern only to be reminded by Josiah's mother that each member of this family has a symbol (Duncan's was a palm tree). What I didn't know was that Josiah's is a star in the middle of a firework. Another sweet coincidence.

The Jensens, Beaches and Duncans at the bowling alley celebrating Duncan's birthday

Duncan loved to bowl and their family continues to celebrate his birthday at the bowling alley each year. Such a beautiful way to remember him and his loving influence during his short time on each.

I hope Josiah will enjoy this quilt and that it will serve as a reminder of the eternal nature of families. There is a strong connection between these brothers and I hope Josiah will feel the love in these stitches...

Quilt #81 Elisabeth Hagan

Quilt #81 was given to Elisabeth Hagan in June.
A month or so earlier. I received a message from Elisabeth 's mother Tessa saying that she had come across The Duncan Project and wondered how the recipients are chosen.

She shared with me  information about her beautiful daughter Elisabeth and her love for quilts.

Elisabeth was born with the CMV virus (see Quilt #60) and as a result she has a number of health challenges, the most prominent one being Cerebral Palsy.
Sweet Elisabeth is quadriplegic and non verbal, but in her mother's words, "she eye gazes everything and we've never understood why, but she's always had a love for quilts."

Elisabeth's parents have loved and cared for her since her birth but this year they were able to officially adopt her. Elisabeth turned 15 in June.

Such a beautiful smile. She blesses many lives!

Tessa, Elisabeth's mother shared with me that Elisabeth loves bright colors, being around people, being in the outdoors and just life in general. Just looking at her photos you can see the light she brings this world.

This quilt was waiting for her.

There is love in the stitches for Elisabeth and her wonderful family,

Quilt #79 Jarek Archuletta donated by Mary Duke

Quilt #79 was donated to a young man named Jarek Archuletta. Jarek was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma in March of this year. This type of cancer is rare and develops in the womb. The malignant cells mimic the developing skeletal muscle of the embryo.  It is the most common soft tissue sarcoma occurring in children and is aggressive and fast growing.

Jerek turned 18 in December and graduated from American Preparatory Academy this past spring. He has undergone some pretty horrific surgeries and is halfway done with his chemotherapy treatments. 

Things are looking good. He has faced this bravely and is such a trooper. No sitting around feeling sorry for himself. This summer he is working at  the Hinckley Boy Scout Camp. He works hard all week then comes home for chemo treatments and after a few days is back up to work at the scout camp. This kid is amazing.

Jarek is blessed with a loving supportinve family. Jarek's mom wrote:

Jarek is smart, funny and strong. He is always so positive and willing to fight for what he knows is right. He knows he can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.

This quilt was pieced and hand quilted by Sue Rogers, a woman who knows more than she wants about having a child with cancer. Her son is currently fighting brain cancer. 

There is truly love in the stitches for this courageous young man...

Quilt # 80 Toni Martin donated by Book Club

Quilt #80 was gifted to Toni Martin from our entire book club to celebrate Toni's remarkable life on her 60th birthday. We want to thank Toni for her goodness and listening ear. Our book club has been meeting since January of 1995 and Toni was a founding member.

60th birthday

Toni has a gift of making people feel special! She has been an example of strength to all of us a wonderful wife and mother. She also taught school for over 30 years and was a beloved teaching, including teaching children of members of our book club.

Team Toni at a 5K. She has so many adoring family members and friends.

Currently, our dear Toni is battling stage 4 melanoma. She is in the fight of her life to beat the beast.She is definitely not on the "fun bus." However, through it all she continues to show us how to bear this with grace, dignity and a huge dose of humor. She continues to make us smile. Her devoted family is helping her through this difficult trial. We love and adore Toni, and want her to know we are with her during this challenging time.

Book Club friends with Toni, her daughter and granddaughters

Joan Schneiter wrote a poem celebrating our dear Tones:

For Toni On Her Sixtieth Birthday, June 18th, 2019

Whenever I think of Toni, 

I think of TOE, KNEE, CHINN.

I think of a row of sister in church 

With meticulously coiffed, gorgeous auburn hair.

I think of Tonette, Tonz, teacher, sister, mother, grandma 

Aunt, friend, and the best wife ever!

When I think of Toni,

I think of cookie dough fights in college-- 

Toni rolled over with laughter!

Back in the day, Barbra Streisand belting

During late nights and pure listening--just chatting

Solving the world’s problems.

When I think of Toni, I think of Mrs. Martin

Pursuing perfectly crafted pedagogical practices 

To enlighten the minds of hundreds of children.

Mrs. Martin always the student completing hundreds of hours of 

Professional development well beyond her Master’s degree

Inspiring her students to become teachers.

Mrs. Martin--My favorite teacher! 

“Oh captain, My captain!”

  

When I think of Toni, I think of a fun bus to “you know where!”

Loaded with family in the front seats 

Book club gals swinging their bras out the back windows--

Even the bus jiggling, giggling, dancing to the music! 

When I think of Toni,

I think of young adult literature: 

Wonder, Flipped, The War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won--

Intense discussions regarding

Themes and imagery.

I think of Toni with both hands over her heart

And sighing at the beauty of words floating off the page and landing gently 

Under her lovely hands taking up residence in her heart.

When I think of Aunt Toni,

I think of reunion!

Preparing all year for auction

Nine square and unga bunga initiation--saved for the chosen few

Lucky enough to be part of the Chinn Clan.

I think of an auntie and sister with the fiercest of loyalty!

When I think of  Tonz,

I think of fun-overs.

Granddaughters dashing to Grandma Tonz

Wanting to cozy up with a seasonal children’s book.

I think of the prayers of angel grandchildren for their Tonz!

I think of expertly crafted quilts for beloved babies.

I think of generations yet to come--

Blessing momma Tonz. 

When I think of Toni,

I think of strength and patience at fighting 

The beast of melanoma! 

I think of courage, love, peace, and pain.

I think of thousands of prayers asking for a 

Miracle to keep our Toni with us.

I think of Heavenly help when she is alone--

Which is practically never 

Since Grant Man won’t leave her side.

I think of the strongest men I know bowing to our maker pleading for our Toni’s health!

I think of sons giving complete devotion to their momma,

And I think of mother and daughter and their blessed relationship.

When I think of Toni, I think of music, art, literature, and

The loveliness of our earthly state.

I think of peonies, roses, and a profusions of flowers 

Tumbling out of pots greeting visitors.

I think of genuine spirituality--true Christlike living!

I think of her immense influence,

Tiny Pieces of lives all connected

Through Toni’s loving hands

Now wrapping her in a graceful quilt of strength, devotion, and tenderness--

Making a collective creation of her love.

The love in these stitches cannot be measured...

Quilt #77 Sarah Bolor donated by Joan Schneiter and Jane Myrberg

Sarah Bolor with her Miracle Rose quilt

Quilt #77 was presented to Sarah Bolor by Kristi Bowman. The quilt was created by Joan Schneiter to honor Sarah's daughter Miracle Rose who passed away after a brief time on this earth.

Sarah chose to write and share her story:

The Bolor FIVE is how we define our family. This saying is a way we remain connected to our daughter, Miracle Rose. In July 2017, my husband and I learned that we were expecting our second

A wild horse came right up to Sarah while she was
carrying Miracle Rose

child. We were so excited for the family to be growing and I was secretly hoping it would be a little girl. As we entered our second trimester, we learned that our baby was, in fact. a girl and had a prenatal, fatal diagnosis of Edwards' Syndrome, aka Trisomy 18. Our physician reviewed all the potential medical anomalies and explained that there was a less than 5% chance that she would live past age one. I was devastated. My husband and I knew we had to power to choose how we responded to this news. To be honest, this was a defining moment for me. Almost as if, this was my first grown-up, independent decision and I knew I needed to be able to look myself in my eyes for the rest of my life and confidently know that I made the right decision. We thought long and hard about all options.

The Bolor Family on Miracle's birthday

Ultimately, we chose to love her and afford her the life that she was intended to have. For us, this meant we would place her on comfort measures once she was born and would not medically intervene to extend her life. We had accepted that this was her life regardless of the length of time she was with us. As I prepared for her delivery day, I knew I wanted to be the best possible mother I could be to her on the day we met and possibly the day she died. I did not want sadness to be the only feeling she felt from me. I wanted her to feel my happiness, love and excitement.

On February 21, 2017, Miracle Rose joined our family and she was perfect. She weighed a whopping 3 lbs. 7 ounces, but she was mighty. I was in heaven as I stared at my little girl. We spent the next 10 hours and 34 minutes cherishing every second together. We had a fashion show with leather hair bows and all, story time, a baptism, and introductions to all of her extended family members. I could not stop staring at her beautiful eyes, tiny hands, and feet and witness her bright spirit. At 8:43 pm, we said, "See you later girlfriend" and Miracle Rose passed on to heaven. She is my inspiration everyday. 

Miracle Rose

Over two years later, Miracle remains a part of our family. We have had a third child since and continue to include her in our daily conversations, prayers and memories. At some point each day, I close my eyes and take myself back to those 10 hours and 34 minutes, so I can be close to her and the time we spent together.

A little background on Sarah's quilt honoring Miracle Rose. There are times when I see a quilt kit that speaks to me and it is purchased without knowing who it belongs to. When Joan told me about her desire to make a quilt for Sarah to honor Miracle's life, I immediately remembered that I had a quilt with cabbage roses. Joan created this stunning quilt and it feel like another reminder of God's tender mercies.

Jane Myrberg and Joan Schneiter gifted this quilt to Saral

I am so impressed with this courageous mother and her intentional choices to savor every moment of her daughter's life. This sweet impact of this tiny girl will influence so many for years to come.

Love in this stitches for Sarah, Miracle Rose and the entire Bolor family.

Quilt #78 Jeremiah Stark

Jeremiah wrapped in his quilt

Quilt #78 was presented to Jeremiah Stark by Duncan's Great Grandmother Karen Stark. A month or so ago I received a text from Duncan's Grandmother, Charlene Duncan that her brother Jeremiah had just shared with the family that he has colon cancer. She asked me to make a quilt for him. She finished her text by saying she wanted him to feel the love in the stitches that I so often talk about.

Jeremiah or "Miah" as he is called by the family was a great support to the family when Duncan passed. When I asked for guidance on the type of quilt, Charlene wrote,"I don't know, just manly! He takes his role as provider  and protector very seriously. He is sweet and tender too. He gives the best hugs! And he'll just hold you as long as you need to be held. Strong and secure, yet tender and full of love. It makes me think of what it will be like to be in the Savior's arms."

What a great man!

Since Charlene's initial request, Jeremiah has had a couple of surgeries and will likely continue with chemo and radiation. 

Jeremiah and his wife Dori. Love the shaka.

I got word that the quilt had been gifted to Jeremiah by his mother Karen (who I was lucky enough to spend time with in Hawaii),

His first comments to his wife and Mom were "feel how soft." (I am using Minky on most of my quilt backs now for that very reason). And he also said that he loved that the pattern and colors were so "manly." (only slightly significant because I started one quilt but decided it would be put aside because the fabric contained the word darling. Needless to say every time I saw the word, I felt a small nudge that this wasn't exactly right for Jeremiah).  Karen let us know that tears were shed and he went off to bed that night with a big smile wrapped in his quilt. 

It is so fitting that he is part of The Duncan Project. Charlene sent me a text with the photos of Jeremiah and Dori that read, "Thank you again! it means so much to me to have Miah have a Duncan quilt. As I haven't been able to be there I've wanted him to feel our love for him in the stitches! I knew it would be a tender thing for him and Dori."

The quilt looks like it belongs in their home.

In one of our texts during the construction of the quilt, Charlene wrote, "One of the great Duncan lessons is that great trials bring great blessings as we accept the Lord's will and receive the enabling power He sends to help get us through. The "immediate goodness of God" is amazing and so real!" I feel so blessed by her wisdom.

I'm grateful to play a small part with this quilt and my prayers for strength and healing. Aloha is in the stitches for the whole family.

Quilt #76 Bennett Yorgason donated by Joan Schneiter and Jane Myrberg

Bennett Yorgason on his special I Spy quilt

This happy little guy is the first to be a part of two quilts. Quilt #44 was given to him and his mother almost two years ago. At that time, Bennett was facing serious health challenges but as you can see he is thriving.

Bennett and Grandma Joan

His Grandma Joan and Great Grandma Jane gave this I Spy quilt to Bennett. This amazing child has been a source of joy and learning for the entire family.

Joan writes:

Bennett is a joyous blessing in our lives! Now that he is almost 22 months old, he has shown us how to embrace each other and fully enjoy the little of life, such as laughing, hugging and cheering on milestones. We all love the cheesy smiles and all-in-hugs. Even the younger babies in the family love him and want to be close to sweet Bennett. Watching Bennett devour a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a sight to behold--pure joy! He was once videotaped in his sleep and his Aunt Jenny captioned the video, "Dreaming  of  PBJ's."

Four generations: Bennett, his mom Karen, Grandma Joan
and Great Grandma Jane

Shortly after Bennett's birth, our favorite nurse, Dallin, told us we wouldn't see him as a child with Down syndrome because we would just see Bennett. That is so true! Every child is unique and special. We have learned to use "child first language." This means we don't say "Down syndrome kids or the Down syndrome boy or girl." When using terms like that it implies that the child is defined by their syndrome or disability which is simply not true and may be limiting. Thanks to the Down syndrome community we have learned many helpful and powerful ways to interact with children. Child first language should be used with all children and also adults. A child may have a disability or syndrome but they are not that disability or syndrome.

This little "I Spy" quilt is a celebration of Bennett''s 22 months in our family. Paddington Bear is in the corners of the quilt and a Paddington story panel is on the back celebrating Benny Boo's love for peanut butter and jelly. Marilyn Mott donated fabric to The Duncan Project and almost all of the fabric for this quilt come from dear Marilyn's generous donation. Thank you Marilyn!

I have been around Bennett a few times. He just exudes light and love. Tons of love in the stitches for Benny Boo.

Quilt #75 Reva Bain

The twins Reva Bain and Rada Morton

Quilt #75 was presented to Reva Bain. This one is a little self indulgent since it was sewn and gifted to my mother on her 85th birthday. I wanted to make her a quilt for this special day but also wanted to recognize something unique about my mom.

Rada, Reva (my sister), Reva (my mom) and me
my mother's favorite, The Olive Garden

My mother has such a generous heart. If there is someone in need and she has the ability to help, she doesn't hesitate. She has known in her life what it means to need a safe place to live for her and her children. As a result she has opened her home to a number of family members as a refuge for extended periods of time. Her home is a peaceful place.

My beautiful Aunt Rada recently lost her husband. She is still grieving and at the same time is struggling with the beginning stages of dementia.

She is now staying with my mom along with my sister who has had health challenges as well. It feels a little "Golden Girl" ish at her house now. I think it gives them all a greater sense of purpose, home and belonging.

 

Add two dogs and a cat to this home and you have quite a party.

There is love and admiration in the stitches for my generous mother.

Quilt #74 Marilyn Mott

Mary Duke, Marilyn Mott and DeAnn Magee. A few tears were shed as this beautiful quilter received her gift.

Quilt #74 was presented to Marilyn Mott. Marilyn is a very gifted, generous quilter. She has developed heart issues and has had at least 7 heart attacks in the last couple of years. For Marilyn, the scare of those heart attacks forced her to realize that she will never be able to use all her fabric in the time she has left. 

 As happens with many of us who love to quilt, the acquisition of beautiful fabric and patterns outstrips a quilters ability to actually use all the fabric we acquire. Drug addicts and quilters share a common term--a stash. In the case of quilters, it is the term for fabric that is not intended for a specific quilt. but the purchaser is convinced it will be NEEDED for a future project. Many quilters can produce numerous quilts from their "stash" without purchasing any additional fabric (I should note that this is rarely done because one of the best parts of quilting is fabric shopping. So fun to dream that it can become addictive. Fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes, oh my...

Marilyn over many years had developed a beautiful. substantial stash worth thousands of dollars. Given her current health, she knew she would be unable to use the fabric. The second thing I should explain about quilters it that giving away this treasured fabric which may have taken years to curate is difficult. and donating it through traditional means, i.e. Deseret Industries, is akin to allowing your child to go to foster care. Marilyn began looking for a  better place to re-home her treasured stash.

Enter Marilyn's dear friend  of many years, DeAnn Magee. DeAnn has for a number of years had her hair done by Mary Duke and one day while getting her hair done is clicked. Mary, her stylist is an avid quilter and DeAnn was able to facilitate Marilyn's desire to see her beautiful fabric go to someone who would put it to good use. 

A number of  us were about to share in the gift of Marilyn's fabric. This quilt was created and sewn by the many grateful recipients and contains fabric almost exclusively  from Marilyn's stash in her favorite jewel tones.

Marilyn and DeAnn continue to use their sewing  skills The currently make small toys in the hundreds which they donate to animal shelters.

There is much love, prayers for improved health and gratitude in the stitches for Marilyn from those of us who have been entrusted with her collection and a promise to make good use of this treasure.

Quilt #73 Terry Powell donated by Mary Duke and Stacey Tate

Stacey, Terry and Mary

 Quilt #73 was gifted to Terry Powell. Since being back in Utah, I have spent some quality time with Terry and really appreciate her strength. Terry embodies the concept of endurance. She suffers with a rare neurological disorder called Cervical Dystonia for which there is no cure.

The disorder is characterized by involuntary contractions in the neck causing pain. possible twisting and distortion of the neck. One of the things that helps Terry's symptoms are botox shots which she receives about every three months. The botox helps but she generally has a short period of time before the botox wears off and the spasms begin anew causing the contracting and pain all over again.

Mary and I had talked about making a quilt for Terry. At our weekly quilting get together, I was working on this quilt  when Terry volunteered to sew a couple of seams. She remarked on how beautiful it was and each additional step she seemed drawn to this quilt. At a certain point Mary and I decided to finish it together and that it belonged to her.

Every stitch was removed the first time

This was the first quilt I quilted solo on my long arm. After I finished the entire quilt I took it off the frame and noticed that one backside there was a fairly large portion where the tension was wrong which resulted in loose loops. I was heartbroken. I took it to Mary and she gently let me know that there were two choices--unpick the entire quilt using seam rippers or start over with new fabric. After a few tears, Mary and I began unpicking the stitches. Thirty hours and thousands of stitches later, it was time to sew the original quilt top with a new minky back. The second time there were no loose stitches and you would never have known.

I share this part of the quilt story because during this frustrating process, it made me think of what Terry endures. She is always in process of trying to get comfort from this  disorder. As soon as her muscles relax to the point that her neck and spine feel normal she knows that soon she will experience the tightening spasms. She experiences a period of pain to get to the part where she feels normal only to understand that she will start the cycle all over again.  I am so impressed with her as she endures these cycles with grace.

Ironically, we ended up gifting the quilt to Terry on  February 28 which is designated as Rare Disease Day.  Later the night Mary and I both received a text from Terry saying that each time she walked in and looked at her beautiful quilt, she knew it was stitched with love.

She is right, there is love in these stitches, including those that had to be unpicked...thanks Terry for the lessons you teach us all.

One of my favorites so far

After reading the post, Terry asked me to add this text response:

Oh my goodness Stacey, I can hardly see through all my tears. I'm not sure I'm worthy of all the wonderful things you said (she is) but I appreciate it with all my heart. I was truly drawn to this quilt while sewing a little on it not really knowing what it would look like. When the top was finished and I could see the whole design, it spoke to my heart. I'll always remember how much you struggled to finish the beautiful quilting. Just like the Lord works with us toward perfection, you never gave up till it was perfect for me! Whenever I look at it I know I'm loved. Thanks so very much. Love and hugs to you Stacey and Mary!